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Learn a Word Daily — Hapless

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Word of the Day · January 8, 2026

Hapless

HAP-lis · adjective

Definition

Unlucky; unfortunate.

Pronunciation

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Origin & Etymology

From hap (“chance, luck”) + -less (“without”).

Nuance

Hapless often carries a sympathetic tone—bad luck plus a bit of helplessness.

Usage

“The hapless rookie spilled coffee on his own presentation notes.”

Fun Fact

That little word hap also shows up in perhaps—literally “by chance.”

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